Kęstutis Šapka
Lithuanian high jumper (1949–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kęstutis Šapka (15 November 1949 – 11 October 2025) was a Lithuanian high jumper who represented the Soviet Union. He was inspired to become a professional high jumper after the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico and became one of the early adopters of Fosbury Flop. He retired due to recurring injuries.[3] After retiring from competitions he worked as a trainer in Vilnius. In 2007, he was ranked as top 16 trainer in track and field athletics.[4]
NationalityLithuanian
Born15 November 1949
Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR, USSR
Died11 October 2025 (aged 75)
Vilnius, Lithuania
Height191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
| |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Lithuanian |
| Born | 15 November 1949 Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR, USSR |
| Died | 11 October 2025 (aged 75) Vilnius, Lithuania |
| Height | 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lb) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
Event | High jump |
| Club | Dynamo Vilnius |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best | 2.25 m (1974)[1][2] |
Šapka died on 11 October 2025, at the age of 75.[5]
Achievements
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Representing  Soviet Union | ||||
| 1971 | European Indoor Championships | Sofia, Bulgaria | 6th | |
| European Championships | Helsinki, Finland | 1st | ||
| 1972 | European Indoor Championships | Grenoble, France | 2nd | |
| Summer Olympics | Munich, West Germany | 12th | ||
| 1974 | European Indoor Championships | Gothenburg, Sweden | 1st | |
| European Championships | Rome, Italy | 2nd | ||
